A recent study by GIFAM, a French group representing household appliance brands, revealed that all 100% of low-cost hair dryers purchased from major online marketplaces like Amazon, Darty, and Temu failed to meet safety and information standards set by France and the European Union. The investigation involved 15 different models bought from third-party sellers on six major online retailers. Every tested product had at least one issue, with nearly a quarter showing serious problems when exposed to high temperatures, and two-thirds missing vital information like usage instructions and safety warnings. Additionally, 20% of the dryers had power outputs that did not match what was advertised. GIFAM attributed the non-compliance to "phantom actors," which are third-party sellers whose identities cannot be verified. These sellers are thought to buy devices in bulk without checking if they meet safety standards and then resell them for very low prices. Charles Ly, head of the electrical safety testing laboratory at LCIE Bureau Veritas, pointed out that the lack of identification plates on some products makes it hard to trace their origins or hold sellers accountable. Without these labels, it is nearly impossible to track down the source of faulty products or ensure that regulations are followed. According to GIFAM, these phantom sellers often sell large quantities of their products in short bursts before vanishing, making it hard for consumer protection groups to trace them. If a product malfunctions or causes serious harm, consumers typically have limited options for recourse, as the responsibility usually falls on the unknown seller, not the online marketplace itself. The study also identified several red flags for consumers, such as extremely low prices, vague or incomplete product descriptions, and the lack of information about after-sales service, warranties, or return policies. Missing a user manual in French and essential labels with details like the manufacturer’s name and electrical specifications were also considered warning signs. While GIFAM acknowledged the risks of buying from online marketplaces, it noted that these risks are not significantly higher than those of buying directly from e-commerce sites. Some major brands even operate their own marketplaces. However, the study urged consumers to read product details carefully and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.